Boone Landing retirement community feels like home for residents

COLUMBIA — If you look up the word “home” in a dictionary, you will find a definition such as “one’s place of residence.” But for the residents living at Boone Landing, the independent living retirement community has become much more than that.

“I feel like everybody here is family. … I get that feeling more than anything,” resident Stephen Lewis said.

Residents had to get used to the idea of living with 111 other people and made some adjustments along the way.

“Everything is different, but this is going like more back to dormitory living in a way. You know it’s very private and yet you have the communal spirit here,” resident Trij Brietzke said.

Many residents have come to appreciate the independence they have found in the retirement home. Without the stress and responsibilities of keeping up a house, they can truly enjoy the freedom.

“When you don’t have property, it really makes such a difference, and that I think is probably the biggest change. You just are free from all that kind of responsibility,” Brietzke said.

There are plenty of activities to keep residents busy at the retirement home, such as Wii bowling, bean bag baseball and washers. While participation is always optional, the residents enjoy the opportunity to socialize with each other — and, of course, a little competition never hurts.

“I think that most of us definitely have a spirit of challenge and we of course want to win,” resident Betty Overall said.

Manager Sherry Jones said working at the retirement home has been a rewarding experience, and one that changes everyday. 

“There’s always something new," she said. "Everyday is a different day. … You don’t ever get bored, that’s for sure.”